Back in the early 20th century, an Ahmedabad businessman named Manibhai Dalal had a mansion built for his family. It was finished in 1923, and became the ancestral home of the Dalal family, who remain its owners and caretakers to this day.

Aside from being a successful businessman, Manibhai Dalal was also a social worker who came to the aid of others. This began after one of his guests personally suggested that "if Manibhai had sufficient money to live, he should start doing social work". These words to him by Mahatma Gandhi inspired Manibhai to help the needy, and he would perform various acts of charity such as providing blankets during winter, and medicine to those who are afflicted.

Manibhai's grandson and Mani Mansion's present owner, Tushar Dalal, follows in his grandfather's footsteps. He supports local workers and craftsmen by entrusting them with the restoration work of the hotel and its antiques. He also promotes the culture and heritage of Ahmedabad to travelers by way of tours and authentic experiences arranged by the hotel.

Even though Mani Mansion was built in 1923, its age, beautiful architecture, and well-preserved status make it a valued heritage building in Ahmedabad. The current owner, Tushar Dalal, has been diligent in refurbishing and restoring his family's ancestral mansion. The exterior features look fresh, as if the mansion was built recently instead of a century ago. The eclectic blend of Western architecture with native Gujarat craftsmanship and color schemes embodies the elements of Tropical Modernism that's perfect for India's climate. The gardens are also landscaped and well-kept, providing a small green paradise in the desert.

Inside, the halls and spaces are decorated with photographs of the Dalals and artworks of Ahmedabad. Mixed in are treasures Tushar has acquired from his travels around the world. When set alongside beautiful antique and vintage furniture, Mani Mansion becomes filled with a homey and comfortable atmosphere you can't find in regular travel hotels.

While Mani Mansion may not have the expansive gardens of Ahmedabad's larger hotels, this heritage mansion makes up for it with a sublime atmosphere one can't easily find elsewhere. Mani Mansion has two locations suitable as wedding venues, with enough space for the ceremony as well as for the festivities and banquet.

Hall
An indoor banquet hall with enough space for seated ceremonies, and can be rearranged for the reception dinner.
Capacity: 60 seated guests

Lawn
Set in the hotel's outdoor spaces which include the garden, outdoor lounge, and pool area.
Capacity: 90 seated guests

Cultural Experiences

Ahmedabad was India's first UNESCO-designated World Heritage City, recognized for its numerous archaeological and historic monuments. These include many aspects of the city, such as its traditional haveli mansions, old neighborhoods called pols, and civic structures like stepwells and man-made reservoirs. Since part of the hotel's heritage initiative is to encourage visitors to learn more about Ahmedabad's history, guests can make arrangements for tours and ticket reservations if necessary.

There are also comparatively more modern attractions to visit, such as Science City Ahmedabad, which features an expansive museum with exhibitions and hands-on experiences. There's also the Calico Museum, showcasing the beauty, intricacy, and splendor of India's textile industry.

Other Celebrations

Mani Mansion holds seminars and events that promote the heritage of Ahmedabad in various ways. One such recent example was their "Millets Made Delicious" talk, where chefs demonstrated the versatility of millet and the variety of recipes that could be made using it. If you're interested in these events, be sure to include an inquiry while making your reservations.

As for smaller, more private celebrations, such as for birthdays and anniversaries, you can get in touch with Mani Mansion's management with a request for personalized service. They will likely be glad to accommodate your request, such as a private table at their restaurant. They might even have suggestions on what dishes and drinks you should celebrate with.